Literary notes about tarnish (AI summary)
In literature, “tarnish” is employed with striking duality, evoking both physical decay and moral degradation. On one hand, it vividly describes the corrosion of metals—how polished surfaces lose their luster over time when exposed to the elements (e.g. [1], [2], [3]). On the other hand, it functions as a potent metaphor for the spoiling of reputations and the erosion of honor, suggesting that even a single misdeed can dull the brightness of a once-sterling character or nation (e.g. [4], [5], [6]). Authors use the term to underline the vulnerability of both tangible objects and intangible ideals, reminding readers that purity and glory are easily marred by time, neglect, or wrongful actions (e.g. [7], [8]).
- Their color is steel-gray, and they tarnish on exposure.
— from History of the State of California From the Period of the Conquest by Spain to Her Occupation by the United States of America by John Frost - A solution of oxalic acid rubbed over tarnished brass soon removes the tarnish, rendering the metal bright.
— from Spons' Household ManualA treasury of domestic receipts and a guide for home management - Silver leaf is prepared like gold leaf, but when applied should be kept well covered with varnish, as otherwise it will tarnish.
— from Paper and Printing Recipes A Handy Volume of Practical Recipes, Concerning the Every-Day Business of Stationers, Printers, Binders, and the Kindred Trades by John Sawtelle Ford - Rougon hotly, “to the fire, to the fire with all those papers that would tarnish our name!”
— from Doctor Pascal by Émile Zola - Not so much as a breath of scandal must tarnish my wife's name."
— from Dividing Waters by I. A. R. (Ida Alexa Ross) Wylie - Can I allow that reprobate to break my niece's heart?—to tarnish her good name?
— from The Italians: A Novel by Frances Minto Dickinson Elliot - History will for ever tarnish the memory of those who suffered themselves to be misled.
— from Memoirs of the life, exile, and conversations of the Emperor Napoleon. (Vol. II) by Las Cases, Emmanuel-Auguste-Dieudonné, comte de - That tarnish was renewed the same evening.
— from Villette by Charlotte Brontë
